Certain events today have made me feel the need to vent my frustration for the entire cyber-world to read... or just close friends and family. Late this morning, upon stumbling upstairs after a wonderful night's rest, my mom suggested we go vote today since today and tomorrow are the last days for early voting (otherwise read as the last days to vote without ridiculously long lines). "Great idea, mom! I'll go research the candidates a bit more and make sure I'm educated about who supports what policies, etc., etc." Sitting down at the computer for what I thought would be a  nice educational experience, my eagerness quickly (very quickly, I might add) turned into aggravation, and not long after that, complete frustration.

How in the world am I expected to be an educated, responsible voter if I can't even find who is running for what office in my county? 

Is it just me or does this seem like something that might be important to release to the public before an election. I know many people's tactic when it comes to voting is to either vote along party lines, or even scarier, pick the prettier sounding name, and I must say I can't blame them! If you can't find out what each candidate supports, who are you supposed to vote for? I'm starting to think it's down to either voting with their strategy in mind or just turning in a completely blank ballot. One could argue that technically you voted... even if you didn't vote FOR anyone... 

In the end I was able to locate some information on three candidates (just three out of the thirty or so running competitively for office this year), and even some of those didn't have any information on their actual political views. Just a little biography. Because, you know, since you have three kids, a lovely wife, and live in Benton County, that's definitely going to make me want to vote for you over the other candidates!

 Which leads me to my second point of frustration. When my mom, my dad, and I were finished casting our ballots, the people working the booths told us that I was the ONLY person my age who had come in and voted in the last two weeks! Are you serious?! Now that I know how hard it is to even figure out who's running for office, I must admit it's no wonder no one votes anymore. But seriously? Two weeks and one person has come in who is under the age of 25! It is a scary thought thinking that this amount of political awareness is what we have to look forward to in the future.

I will say though that this whole experience made me feel the dutiful citizen. Actually researching my candidates and then going in for early voting. Plus you get a cool sticker that says "I voted!" 

Guys, even though it's just family and maybe a few friends reading this, do this country a favor and VOTE! I'm serious. Do your civic duty and get out there and vote this year (or I will turn my rampaging rhinoceros herd on you)!